Beach's Hammonds named Officer of the Year

St. Augustine Beach Police Chief Robert Hardwick said he was proud to announce that Officer Frankie D. Hammonds was selected as the Seventh Judicial Circuit’s Officer of the Year for 2012.

A St. Augustine Beach Police officer for nearly 10 years, Hammonds was nominated for his “exemplary service” and given the award at the 15th Annual Crime Stoppers Banquet to Honor Law Enforcement in Daytona Beach.

The circuit consists of St. Johns, Putnam, Flagler and Volusia counties.

For example, he said, on Jan. 23, 2012, Hammonds spoke with an elderly resident who believed he was the victim of exploitation.

“Displaying compassion, patience and understanding, the officer was able to obtain pertinent information that led to the identification and arrest of the suspect for exploitation of the elderly.

Information on this suspect led to 21 similar incidents involving multiple jurisdictions that were solved,” the narrative said.

On March 30, 2012, Hammonds was monitoring a local bar closing when he heard several gun shots. Nearing the area where the shots came from, he was able to identify the shooter, who was the driver of a vehicle.

After multiple commands, the driver sped toward the officer, nearly hitting him. Hammonds’ quick reaction prevented him from being seriously injured and allowed him to pursue.

He never lost sight of the vehicle, enabling him to provide information to other agencies which resulted in the suspect’s arrest.

On another occasion, vehicle burglaries had been reported in several residential areas off A1A Beach Boulevard in the early morning hours of Oct. 17, 2012. After canvassing the area, Hammonds found an unresponsive male in a parked vehicle.

The officer immediately recognized the suspect from previous contacts.

While searching him, Officer Hammonds found numerous items he was able to trace back to the earlier burglaries and to a theft from a local bar patron.

“Due to Officer Hammonds’ diligence, all property was identified as belonging to the victims of the recent thefts and returned to the owners. The suspect was arrested for burglary and probation violation,” Hardwick said.

Hammonds also received an award from MADD for having the most DUI arrests.

“His performance and attitude during these criminal investigations sets the example for other officers to follow,” the chief said. “(He) is a self-starter and self-motivator. He continues to strive for excellence in his investigations and preparations. Officer Hammonds sets the standard as a leader and a police officer with the St. Augustine Beach Police Department.”